Sgt Grit Marine Corps Newsletter - October 28, 2004

When I was in boot camp, receiving our Drill Instructor introduction, Our SDI (Senior Drill Instructor) made a statement that I will never forget and have used since the day of my separation. "After we are finished with you, you will no longer be peons, you will be United States Marines. When you are released from active duty people will asked you what service you were in and you will reply, I wasn't in the service, I was in the Marine Corps." Dan Cutchens, Proud Sgt. of Marines 2nd Bn 3rd Marines 1986-1992

Pass this newsletter on to anyone you feel would like it. To submit your thoughts use contact@grunt.com

Limited Time Offers: Last day for the MOS shirts is October 31st (that's Sunday!) USMC Holiday shirts until November 12! And NEW this week - Marine Mom's Online shirts.

Custom MOS Shirts: Special MOS Hooded Sweatshirt, T-shirt, long sleeved T, regular sweat. This is a Limited Time Offer only available until October 31st!! You Choose MOS from the following:Tanker, Amtrac, Comm, Artillery, Grunt, MP, Motor-T,Combat Engineer, Air Wing, Combat Admin, IYAOYAS, NBC. On October 31st we will make all orders for these special shirts and ship them approximately 2 weeks later.

Holiday Bulldog Shirts "Who needs eight tiny reindeer?" And...Get into the Holiday Spirit - USMC Style! Available only until November 12th!! All orders for these special hooded Sweatshirt, T-shirt, long sleeved T, regular sweat will be made at that time and shipped the week of Thanksgiving.

Marine Moms Online Shirts: Marine Moms Online Shirts now available as a black Hooded Sweatshirt, Long Sleeved T-Shirt, and Sweatshirt in sizes S-XXXL. Only until November 19th!

I do not usually post. It is important to me that I do this. Most of you know I am a Vietnam Veteran. The following quoted statement was made in the early 70's and never retracted. I want my two daughters, my wife, and my mother and dad to know that I did NOT do any of the below.

"had personally raped, cut off ears, cut off heads, taped wires from portable telephones to human genitals and turned up the power, cut off limbs, blown up bodies, randomly shot at civilians, razed villages in fashion reminiscent of Genghis Khan, shot cattle and dogs for fun, poisoned food stocks, and generally ravaged the country side of South Vietnam."

A Message From The Commandant Of The Marine Corps

Two hundred and twenty-nine years ago, the Second Continental Congress established a Corps of Marines to fight for a democratic people's independence. Since then countless Marines have raised their hand and sworn to defend our Nation's freedoms and preserve its liberties. This year's anniversary again finds Marines engaged throughout the globe for the same noble purposes. The bravery, heroism, and selflessness of all Marines - wherever they are serving - have added significantly to our rich legacy and measured up to the high standards that have come to epitomize all who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.

The current battlefields of the Global War on Terror are linked to the storied campaigns of our past by an unbroken tradition of proud and loyal service. At New Providence, Chapultepec, Belleau Wood, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, Con Thien, Kuwait, and now in places like Fallujah, Marines have consistently demonstrated a dedication to duty, a commitment to warfighting excellence, and a devotion to each other that has instilled a fierce determination to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Our warrior ethos is and will continue to be the Corps' hallmark.

The fortitude and sacrifices of Marines and their families have been vital in protecting our Nation from those who would do us harm. Whether preparing and sustaining our agile force or engaged in battle, the esprit de corps, tireless energy, calm courage, and inspired leadership of Marines continue to make a monumental difference in this world. Your unselfish dedication and significant accomplishments - demonstrated repeatedly over this past year in numerous places such as the Anbar province of Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Haiti, and in the crucial job here at home supporting our deployed forces - are deeply respected and valued by your fellow Americans.

Marines, as we celebrate with friends and families the founding of our beloved Corps, you should take pride in our long history of distinguished service to this great Nation and its citizens. I ask you to remember especially the sacrifices of our fallen and wounded comrades. Finally, rededicate yourselves to taking care of one another and ensuring we remain the finest warfighting organization in the world.

Picked Himself Up

To Lcpl G.D. Vallejos: Your story reminds me of my own boot problem. San Diego, June/1968, Plt 1038 was formed, a Texas platoon primarily of Mexican-Americans and about a half dozen oddballs who got thrown in for good measure. I was a farm boy from central Ohio, 6'4", 275 lbs of football player. Needless to say, I stuck out like a sore thumb one of our DI's, "The Mad Hawaiian" decided to use me as an instruction dummy in hand to hand combat. Being the stupid young farm boy, I didn't know I was supposed to fall down when the DI tossed me, so I just leaned back and counter weighted his throw by instinct. After he picked himself up and the thunder and lightning cleared, he asked me how much I could bench press. Not being into weight lifting, I explained that I wasn't quite sure what that was but that I could pick up and toss 2 bales of hay at a time (90lbs. @) or carry 5 sheets of roofing plywood at a time. I was pleasantly surprised that I never again was singled out for hand to hand by him or any of the other recruits. SSgt. Moore, J.C. 2389599

Grabbing My Cover

Reading thru all the letters from other Marines and family members reminds us what a special thing it is to be a Marine. Several of the letters talked of dealing with the change to this alternate life style called civilian. There are lots of Marines out there, that are or have gone thru similar situations and are willing to help other Marines. It's difficult but you have to reach out, your not alone. That is the one thing that is hard you go from a place where there is a common purpose to chaos. Marines will always have each others back.

Having been to both P.I. and San Diego, and being a D.I. in Hollywood. I need to tell this story. As a Drill Instructor at San Diego I had the chance to help with this misunderstanding. On one of my duty nights I was setting in the duty hut, because the boys were on free time. When the squad bay was called to attention. Grabbing my cover I walked out on to the quarter-deck to see two full bird Colonels standing there. One was the C.O. for R.T.R San Diego. Turns out the other gentlemen was from P.I. He asked me where I had gone boot camp and I told him that I was a Hollywood Marine. Then came the question about sunglasses. I informed the Colonel that we were only in forming and would not receive our sunglasses till training had started. He seemed to like that answer and told me and my platoon to carry on and walked out. The next morning I seen everyone from the Series Gunny to the R.T.R Sgt. Maj.

Once a Marine, Always a Marine. some times the adjustment isn't easy. G.D. Dilley SSgt Retired

Marine That Is Getting Out

Hi Sgt. Grit, I was wondering how many of the young Marines know that there is such a thing as the Marine Corps League. There are Chapters all over the country, and it is so much fun to talk to the "older generation" about things. The League does so many things. I belong to the Electric City Detachment, and we have so many things going on. The Toys for Tots, we sponsor a handicapped softball team (they have such a good time), we help the Marine down in the Philippines who started an orphanage. I bet he would love to have help from other detachments. I think that any young Marine that is getting out of the Corps should be informed about the nearest League, and given an opportunity to join. With all the good things that the League does, they would have a good time and contribute to the ongoing message that "Once a Marine, always a Marine." Wanda E. Hunter Chaplain, of the Electric City Detachment of the Marine Corps League

The snipers were called to action after they received reports that hundreds of heavily armed insurgents, dressed in black garb, were occupying the city.

"We are the eyes, ears and trigger finger for the battalion commander," said Sgt. Herbert B. Hancock, the chief scout sniper for the platoon. "Anything that he sees as a threat, we are sent out to check up on."

The snipers were the first Marines to enter the city and observe the threat. Once the snipers had located the insurgents and established positions to assess the situation, the snipers realized just how right the reports had been.

"They were all out in the open doing whatever they wanted to," said Hancock, 35, a native of Bryan, Texas. "They were in control of that side of the city, rerouting traffic, threatening to kill people and terrorizing people.

"Any convoy that looked like it had anything to do with the coalition was attacked and hit by (improvised explosive devices). There were civilians and civilian cars in the area, but they didn't care. They were being blatant about the fact that they were in control."

After witnessing the insurgents pull people from their cars, shoot at civilians and detonate IEDs in the traffic circle, the snipers began to fire at them.

Sergeant Milo S. Afong, a sniper with the platoon, took the first shot.

"I had a perfect silhouette of his body and his weapon," said Afong, 23, a native of Vista, Calif. "It had been the first time I saw people out here with weapons."

After the first shots were fired and a few insurgents were hit, the masked men in the traffic circle realized they were under attack.

"Even more of them showed up carrying (rocket propelled grenades) and AK-47s," said Cpl. Stephen R. Johnson, an assistant team leader with the platoon. "That is when they started shooting back. At first they were fighting us out in the open and behind cars. That wasn't working for them so they got up in the buildings and tried to set up concealed positions and shoot at us."

According to Gunnery Sgt. Timothy J. Dowd, the platoon commander, this battle marks the first time in history that snipers from 1/23 engaged enemy troops and was also one of the largest scale sniper missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

That was the heaviest firefight in the city, according to Johnson. That particular firefight lasted approximately 45 minutes. However, the sniper battle against the insurgents in the area lasted several more days, until their extract.

"The whole time it was like we were in a shooting gallery with people shooting at us," said Afong.

The Marines proved themselves as valuable assets to the battalion.

"We showed how (a handful of) guys basically eliminated a whole platoon," said Johnson, 24, a native of Woodlands, Texas. "We have proven that snipers are cost effective with lives and rounds. There are no substitutes for snipers on the battlefield."

The snipers made it out of the fighting with only minor injuries.

Semper Fi, Dutch U. S. Marine Corps (Ret)

Asked What Happened

L/Cpl Buchanan let me tell you about some unsung heroes. I was not a grunt- I was a door gunner. I spent a majority of my time high enough to be safe and have a cool breeze on those miserable days. A radio man could save many lives just by keying his mike-to me he was a hero. Grunts with weapons are heroes too- they kept charlie off my flight line so we could go extract other grunts who filled the day to keep Charlie farther away. They may have worked for a Maj., and filed papers, and what they thought were menial remington raider tasks. Who gets the stuff done so I have ammo for my mini? Who stays up all night to get supplies for the Corpsman?(and did not complain about it??) There are no "lesser" positions in the Corps. Each MOS is very important to the next. Radio op was so needed and helped so much-if you did not fire a shot as a radio op you were very lucky- but without you how could I do my job?? You were as important - for the Corps-as the Commandant was. We all have our (had) our job to do, and we did it. On my second of four tours I had the opportunity to go to Baldy many times and there was a clerk typist that I would go to see to hand in paperwork that would make it back to where ever for whatever. Irish kid with a laid back attitude and really never cared about what was going on around him as long as he could do his job. O'Reilly or close to that. Called him "duck" because he would if you popped a paper bag or popped some off at the wire. Some time after making regular drops there "duck" wasn't. When asked what happened -thinking he had gone home- we found out. Charlie had made perimeter an taken out two sets of holes. "duck" was making a head call in the 03 hour, saw them and ran and got a 16 from one of his bunkies and went out to secure the perimeter. He got 3 before they got him. Baldy came alive and the perimeter was re established. Many NVA died but we lost "duck" Clerk typist #1 hero, more than clerk typist. Should be no guilt over MOS or where you spent your time. A firebase is exactly that. Cook, grunt, door gunner, supply, driver, we were all there and we all worked toward the good of the Corps and each other. You still get fired at. And if you're a cook - I need to eat to do my job. Supply? Need ammo and etc. to do my job. How the heck can I get a paycheck sent home if they don't know I'm alive or have me listed somewhere?? Get the point? No one piece of my Marine Corps is more important than the others. I remember part of a quote (correct me if its wrong please) "ordinary men doing extraordinary things under extreme conditions" Like I've always said, combat or not, reservist or not a Marine is a Marine and I defy anyone to tell me different-this applies to MOS also. Have a good day and a better tomorrow- Semper Fi all--Krusty

This Ain't No Bull

Sgt. Grit, I don't know if this is something that interests you, but this ain't no bull:

We had a guy in our platoon who was nasty as h&ll. Our DI's and the rest of us in the platoon knew it. Well, needless to say, while we were at Edson range, our junior hat decided to play Mt. Suribachi. There's our squad leaders and guide holding the guidon, in the squad bay with all of the foot lockers emptied in a pile, with sand and water surrounding it. The Sgt. runs over and starts staring into the pile that is below the guide and squad leaders. The next thing you know, the drill instructor rips the guidon from them, and everyone falls into the pile. The DI has someone's brown streaked skivvies hanging on the end of the guidon stick, and flashes them in front of my face. Not trying to lose my bearing, I just stare right through him. Being the sadistic thing that he was my DI asks me, "Who the h&ll do these things belong to recruit?" My I read the recruits name to him and he then asked me, "Why does recruit so and so, [no name to protect the nasty] has stained skivvies?" My response was, "this recruit thinks that recruit so and so does not properly wipe after making a sit down head call, SIR!" At that moment I felt like I was brilliant. I had avoided the dreaded recruit don't know. That was a huge mistake. I was then told that since I apparently was an expert on wiping after using the head, anytime that recruit goes to the head I had to be his shadow. The next day he has to go and asks permission. The nasty body gets up to go, and I just sat there because I had forgotten the edict that my DI gave me. The Sgt. looks at me and just says, "Anytime you want to leave recruit." Needless to say, I was left with giving the nasty body clearance to return to the squad bay any time he had to use the head. Two weeks later we go to the PX and we get the standard list of stuff to buy, along with the order, every recruit in this platoon will buy one pack of size 32 skivvie underwear. Well, that night, The Sgt. orders our nasty recruit to the quarterdeck to stand with the sick lame and crazies during hygiene inspection. When the DI gets to him he removes one pair of skivvies from the pack and proceeds to have the recruit perform inspection drawers with the skivvies. It took everything I had to not lose my bearing when he pulled back the flap of those skivvies and handed them to the recruit! S/F, Lcpl C

Hates Civilians

I had been on the drill field long enough for it to have gotten to be routine and thought not much could surprise me. Needless to say "wrong". I had put the plt to bed, went to the co. office for a cup of coffee and made a pass buy the huts to see if all were quiet.

Returning to the "duty hut" I found the O.D. and two of my recruits waiting for me. the LT. informed me that these two had been caught trying to climb the fence. He the asked one of the privates why he wanted to leave us after only his second day.

His reply was that he was just sticking with his buddy who wanted to go home. He then asked the second youngster why he wanted to leave us. This 18 year old responded by pointing at yours truly and comes out with "sir he said he hates civilians and my mother is a civilian"

I cant stay here! I had a convenient coughing fit. This was 1957, mcrd san diego 2nd rtb M W. Fountain Sgt USMC

Pyramidal Tents

Sgt. Grit: In response to Cpl Ray Cox's info about MCRDep, San Diego, I too, have fond(!!) memories of "that place" on Harbor Blvd. I see articles about Quonset huts and barracks. These were just dreams; I spent all of my time in Pyramidal tents, both at the Depot and Camp Matthews. My utility trousers had the "BIG" pocket all the way across the seat. Still have my "Ike" jacket, with Sgt. chevrons and 2 hash marks on it. Of course, it has shrunk a lot from all of the cleanings. I would have gladly killed all of my DIs, at the time of boot camp; but after graduation, I spent a day or two at Sea School and then was transferred back to the 3dRTBn, and worked with some of my DIs. Surprisingly enough, they were human after all. Spent some time at MB, Naval Station, SDiego, MB, Amphibious Base, Coronado, 3dMarDiv, and then back to MCRDep, SDiego. Retired at HQMC, January 1970. Jim McMahon GySgt of Marines 1949-1970

I Am A Retired Officer

I have a flagpole in my front yard that proudly flies the American Flag and the USMC flag. One day my wife was outside talking with a neighbor while our kids were playing with each other. A car pulled up and an elderly gentleman stepped out of the car and came up to my wife and asked if the Marine was home. She replied, "No, sorry, he is at work right now, is there something I can help you with?" He said, "No thanks, I am a retired officer of Marines and saw the flag and just wanted to see if he was in. My daughter lives in the neighborhood and I was in town visiting. I'll try to catch him next time I'm around." I wish she would have gotten his name or even where his daughter lived, but I'll be looking forward to meeting him next time. My father served 20 years in the Navy, and my brother is currently serving as a M1A2 Tanker in the Army and I don't hear many stories like this from them.

Just this past week my wife was returning from an evening class. She was driving my SUV with Marine Corps tags and a USMC hitch cover from Sgt. Grit. When the officer approached the car he asked if she or her husband were in the Marines. She replied that her husband was in the USMCR for 10 years and served in Desert Storm but was now in an OCS class for the National Guard. He replied "What the h&ll did he do that for?!" (long story!) He told her that she was the fastest car he had clocked all day. Wrote her a warning, told her to slow down and be careful and Semper Fi'.

Iwo 1954

While stationed in Japan with the 12th, 3rd Division we did "return to Iwo" in 1954 with many Navy ships and reenacted the WW2 invasion just as it was done in the 40s. I would like to hear from any of the readers of your newsletter to see if we could meet in Ok City sometime in 2005 to share pictures and our experiences over a meal. We are all getting old and time has a way of slipping by. Please e-mail me at jbdaly@htcomp.net or call me at my home number 817-790-2097 or my cell number 817-917-5542.if you would like to plan a get together during the summer of 05

It would really be great if some of the WW2 Marines could make it too.

John B. Daly SN 1412090 MOS 0844 Enlisted July 1953.

I'd Free Fall

Say, anyone out there know where the tradition of 'pinning on strips'came from? Is this still done in the Corps? Remember,' I'll fly if you buy'? And 'I'm so short, I'd free fall if I fell off a dime'? Or short timer calendars? Or everyone's fav:ONE AND A WAKE UP! Lots of old salty sayings back then. Remember the 'short timers' boots in the trees or up in the power lines? WOW....Thirty three years since I left the Corps, but I guess it never really left me. A 'Hollywood' Marine 1st Blt. 1123 Dec. 67-Feb.68 scratchie

You Got Of The Plane

Sgt. Grit, I, too, felt guilty because I wasn't a grunt in Vietnam but I went where the Marines put me, and did the best job I could. I was a 7041 (Aviation Ops). I volunteered for Nam, but felt bad about not doing my part in the bush. I carried guilt for a long time till a very good friend of mine that was in Special Ops in the Delta told me: "You got off the plane didn't you?" I said yes. "You didn't run did you?" I said no. He then told me: "You did what you were told to do so don't worry about it." I got out of the Corps in 1973 and then returned to the military in the Army reserve in 1982. I retired as an E-8 in April 2000 after going to the first Gulf War and 2 tours in Bosnia.

I am also proud to say that my brother was Marine in Motor T and my son is now a Sergeant with 2/6 Company E 2nd Mar Div. He was lucky and survived the war to get Saddam and he in now in Afghanistan. He also was Enlisted honor graduate of his airborne school class at Fort Benning. He was the only Marine to get an award. I presented him with my original basic airborne wings. He is a 2512 (Field Wireman).

I am proud of all fellow men and women serving and wish I was with you all again. My best to Mr. John Varian and LCPL Dan Buchannan.

Someone Could Get Hurt

Yo grunts breaks over, fieldstrip em and saddle up. Just adding a comment or two about newsletter of 14 October. Corporal George, George Myrick is still one tough nut to crack. I have several guys in our organization that will tell you that he was tough on the Drill Field but he was one h&ll of a leader in the Nam.

About the Swagger Stick, I was in 05's and we made a few sticks in the Nam. We would take the primer tube out of the spent canister, polish it, take a 50 cal. round and place the slug in one end and the shell on the other of the primer. Our CO was concerned that someone would get hurt with a live cap on a swagger stick so we couldn't have one unless the cap was popped. Our armour did not want us to use the Gun to pop caps, so being intelligent[?] Marines we decided to take a nail, put it to the live primer, place the shell under our foot and hit it with a hammer. This was a good idea except for one thing, the cap would blow out of the brass. I know because I still have a scar where it went through my thumb. I was never the sharpest knife in the drawer.

On a recent trip to DC I met up with a couple of Marines that went through Hollywood about the same time I went through the Island. I asked if they had it rough as we did. They both answered they did not know but they still had their sunglasses and a little of the suntan lotion they were issued.

Semper Fi Guys and Gals and say a prayer for little Brother and Sister doing the JOB we did once upon a time.

Ron Shouse Corps Class of 66 till ??

The General Walked Up To Me

Just a footnote in remembrance of a great Marine Officer. I was a young Lance Corporal the first time I met Gen. Al Gray.At that time he was the CGof2nd MarDiv and he made it a point to meet all units returning to CONUS at Morehead City, NC. Me being one of the younger Marines on my 81's team, I got stuck humping most of the heavier gear! Here it is, I've got a full sea bag on my front, a full pack on my back, and 2 81mm bipods across my shoulders (not to mention my M 16!). As I am trying to disembark this LST h&ll I had to call "home" for 6 months, The General slaps me on the back and wishes me a "Job Well Done!" as I go tumbling down the brow!!!...I didn't think much of it at the time but oh well, a L/Cpl is never in a position to question a 2 star General!!...Let's skip ahead 5 yrs later....MGen Gray is now Gen. Gray and I now a Sgt with D Co., 2D MarDiv. Since we were the first LAV unit ever in combat (Operation Just Cause - Panama), We had to do a "Dog and Pony" at LZ Bluebird aboard Camp Lejeune for CMC and such. After the smoke and dust had cleared, Gen. Gray joined the troopies (as was his custom). As I called my Plt to attention, the General walked up to me as if I was a long lost friend and took my hand into his and said " Sgt Davis, Good to see you again..It's been awhile". Now mind you, at this time we did not have name tapes on our utilities - just the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. My company CO, Capt. Gerald Gaskins even commented, " When did you ever serve with "Big Al" (his nickname)? As far as I saw from your SRB is that you have nothing but FMF time!" I just gave Capt. Gaskins a dumb look because I never thought that Gen. Gray would ever remember one Marine out of a thousand..........Evidently I was wrong........General Gray, I say to you....."Semper Fi" and I for one will never forget you!

Once a Marine, Always a Marine! Mark Davis U.S.M.C. 1983-1993

Locked It Up

I would like to take a few moments and recognize a few individuals who helped shape my life. I started my Marine Corps career on June 13th, 1983 at MCRD San Diego, CA. I had the fortune (Back then, I thought the misfortune!) of being assigned to 3rd Bn, Mike Co., Plt 3058. My Senior D.I. was SSGT Martinez. His junior D.I's were SSGT Sanchez (0331), SSGT Flaherty (0341), and SGT Brooks. All four of these Marines were the epitome and level of which we in 3058 thought was the Marine Corps. I would like to say thank you and give them all a "Job Well Done". I had the blessing of seeing SSGT Flaherty again while serving with 2nd MarDiv. He had become a GySgt and I at the time was a Sgt serving with 2nd LAV Bn. Even though years had passed since I saw him last, I still "locked it up" and addressed him as sir (some old habits die hard!) We eventually constructed a relationship not as recruit to D.I., but as Marine to Marine. These four men (Marines) instilled into me the best attributes that a man can possess: Loyalty, Dedication, Honor, and to accomplish the mission no matter what it takes! These traits have served me well in Beirut, Panama, Desert Storm, and well into my "civilian" life. I presently work for the VA and I find that I get a good feeling whenever I talk to a Marine, no matter when it was he/she served. We are all indeed a family who have been taught the right way to life and conduct our lives no matter how bad things might seem. We don't quit, We don't take no for an answer, We stand up for what is right, and we see whatever we undertake to it's completion. For these values, I once again thank those four Marines who "Taught Me Right!"

Having A Hard Time

Hi, I have a very special request for your readers from Betty, the Gold Star Mom of LCpl Elias Torrez, III, 3/7, who was KIA in Iraq on Good Friday, 2004. She is having a hard time right now and would really appreciate hearing from Marines who served with ET, and can pass along any stories, thoughts, pictures, details of his last days, etc. to help keep her going. Please contact me at kathleenbarnett@yahoo.com for more info. Thank you very much. Kathleen PMM of LCpl Robby, VMGR 234, NAS JRB Fort Worth, All Back from Iraq

Man With A Tankard

Sgt. Grit, I have been reading your news letter for quite sometime now. I have had the honor of giving 6 years of my life in active duty serving my country in the United States Marine Corps as did my twin sister Sgt. Shauna R. Roseborough. As a kid I didn't categorize myself as being in a military family, but I realize that I do come from a military family. My dad served in the Navy, my grandfather served in the 101st Airborne (Army), I have many uncles who served in the Army, cousins who served in the Marine Corps as well. On a recent trip out to Quantico, Va from California I sat next to a gentleman who was wearing a Korean War Veteran cover. Still wearing my dog tags, even though I got off active duty back in 2000, I engaged the older gentleman in conversation about his service time. I told him that I served in the Marine Corps and he told me he served in the Army. He told me of many battles he was in, the lives that were lost. But the most intriguing of them all was the person that he personally met. He said at the time he did not know who this courageous man was, but one time he came out of a hooch, and there stood a man holding a tankard steaming with coffee. Standing there, the man offered this gentleman a drink off his coffee as it was a stinging cold night. They were looking into the horizon getting ready to go back out. This gentleman was still a teenager, and the man with the tankard was a bit older than he. As they were heading out, the gentleman thanked him for the coffee....and asked him his name.... the man with the Tankard said...most people call me "Chesty"......and they went there separate ways.... We talked about friends he lost and friends who survived...tears built up in his eyes as he recalled such a long time ago....and he said he could still smell the gunfire...at the end of our conversation I thanked him for his service, he in return thanked me for mine.

It wasn't until that moment did I acknowledge that although my service did not bring me to any combat, that my job was just as important as those serving on the battle field, and it was validated by this combat veteran.

Semper Fidelis to those Marines serving today, Fair Winds and Following seas for those Marines who have served....Honor, Courage & Commitment to those Marines who will serve...

Birthday Ball

Sgt, Grit. On November 13, 2004, the Catawba Valley Detachment 1163, will be having its Marine Corps Birthday ball, with dinner and the traditional ceremony, with the Commandant's message, the cake cutting with the sword, and the first piece of cake to the guest of honor, the second to the oldest Marine present and the third to the youngest Marine present. We have the Birthday Ball in conjunction with Veteran's day with all service's invited. The cost of the Evening is $20.00 per person, and this includes dinner, set ups, the Marine Corps Birthday cake, band to dance by. It will be held at the American Legion Bldg., Post 48, Hickory Fair grounds. Starts at 1830 with dinner. If you have any questions contact me at johngrindel@charter.net or 828-322-2541., John W, Grindel Sr. Commandant, Catawba Valley Detachment 1163, Marine Corps League.

Fat, Angry

Hello Sgt. Grit, Just wanted to say HELLO to the three men who took a fat, angry, smart-@ss boy and made him a MARINE: Platoon Commander SSgt. Lyons, Drill Instructor SSgt. Graham, and Drill Instructor Sgt. Bry from Platoon 2104........Jan 1974.....I hope God has walked with you fine men ! THANK YOU GOD BLESS SEMPER FI !! Cpl. Louis A. Gilman(GilDog) 5811 USMC 1973-1976

Joke

There's 3 prior military men all on the same aisle of a flight heading to Florida. In the course of the flight one of the gentlemen breaks the silence.... "McMillan.... General... Army....Married... One child..... A lawyer...." The other two nod...The next one cuts in.... "Saxton..... General.... Air Force....Married... One child..... A doctor...." The third gentleman just grins and snorts..... The first two look at him.... Finally, after a moment he says.... "Brant... GySgt.... United States Marine Corps....Unmarried... Two children.... Both Generals...."

GySgt. E.B. Snyder USMC 87-91 USMCR 92-99

Tradition

Sgt Grit, Great news letter! I get chills every time I read them. A comment about our Birthday Ceremonies sparked my interest. I am a big fan of tradition as most Marines are. After all it's one of the things that sets our Corps apart from other services and helps make us Marines. To hear that someone is cutting traditions out of ceremonies really gets under my collar. We are all taught Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions in boot camp and learn more through out our enlistments through things like Mess nights, etc.. I thought it would be a interesting topic to hear what some traditions are, formal and informal. It would be a great way to make sure that traditions are not forgotten or overlooked. Especially for some Marines that never had the pleasure of attending a mess night or other events of that sort. For instance some Marines might not know the significance of the rose and glass, or the empty table setting at a mess night, etc.. because they aren't really documented traditions that you would find in a manual or anything. Just thought it would be a great reminder and motivating to our brothers and sisters in harms way. God bless all our service members. Semper Fi, M. Valois Inactive Sgt of Marines 92 - 00

All Of Us

Sgt Grit: Couldn't help but respond to LtCol Smith's letter regarding the death of LCpl Daniel Wyath. No Marine wants to see one of his comrades killed, but if it does happen, it is hoped that his comrades respond in the manner that LtCol Smith describes. Marines are all brothers, and the death of one of us effects all of us.

God bless the LtCol Smith, his Marines, and the Marine Corps.

Semper fi. Wayne Gray USMC 57-70

Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland

Sgt. Grit, My name is Lou Stavely, I am the Chaplain of the Marine Corps League here in the state of Maryland. I am also the Chairman of Hospital Visitations for the Marines Helping Marines Program (see the Department of Maryland's web site http://www.deptofmdmcl.org/) at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. This program was created to assist the wounded Marines with clothing, cash, phone cards, C-D s. books, and any other item they may need to assist in their recovery from their injuries. Last month, I purchased for the program, approximately $1000.00 worth of T shirts and shorts from you store. We are planning to purchase more T shirts for the Marines at Navy Med and also Walter Reed Hospital. The Marine Corps League/ Marines helping Marines program would be very appreciative of any discount you could extend to us. We are particularly interested in t-shirts with the Marine Logo on the front. These shirt are worn by the Marines who are going through physical therapy with other wounded service men and women form the other branches of the armed services, and want to show that they are Marines. Semper Fi, Lou Stavely Chaplain, Dept of Maryland, MCL

Marine Corps Birthday Luncheon

The US Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Oklahoma is sponsoring a luncheon to commemorate the 229th Birthday of the US Marine Corps. Guest speaker is General William L. "Spider" Nyland, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

In addition to the guest speaker, there will be a birthday cake cutting ceremony, reading of the Commandant of the Marine Corps birthday message and a short presentation on tradition and lore of the US Marine Corps with emphasis on honoring our World War II veterans.

The luncheon is at the Central Oklahoma Homebuilders Association, 625 NW Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, on Friday, November 5, 2004 with a social hour beginning at 10:30AM with Marines who have fought "in every clime and place" since 1934. Birthday ceremonies and the luncheon begin at 11:45AM.

The social hour and luncheon are open to the public and all Marines, Marine families and Marine supporters are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $22 per person and the deadline for reservations is November 1, 2004. Checks may be sent to USMCCCOK, 1420 Evergreen Circle, Midwest City, OK 73110. Additional details and online reservations/ payment are available at http://www.oklahomamarines.org or by telephone at (405)733-7822.

Those Are My Feet

I was examined at the VA, for my foot problems. Filed a claim in March, and last week, got an unofficial notification, that the process was completed and approved. In a period of just 8 months, the whole process was completed. Course, leaving nothing to chance, I got and forwarded to the VA, copies of official records from the Historical section of the Marine Corps, thus eliminating the research that would have to have been completed, by the researchers to confirm my status, from 50-52. In speaking with a gentleman from the DAV, he asked, "who has treated your feet before". Responding that no one had, he said if WE had got this earlier, we could have got it processed much earlier, and how did you know you had problems with your feet. Told him on November 10th, each year, a group who went to school, raised together and joined the Corps together meet at a local watering hole, and as usual tell LARGE stories. At last years, get together, one of my friends was talking about his frostbitten feet. He pulled off his shoe and sock, and I said, "Those are my feet". And for the last several years, I just thought it was an aging process. Long story short, The DAV, VA, I think, did accomplish, in a minimum amount of time, the results. So for every negative experience, here is the opposite.

SF NC C-1-1, 1st sqd. MG,s, 1108487 Chesty's last regimental command.

No Monsters

I wanted to share a story with everyone. My four year old son would always say that he was afraid of monsters at Grandma's house. One day after my mom had been telling him all day that there are no such thing as monsters she came up with a good idea. She pointed to a couple of pictures that she had hanging on the wall. One was a picture of Jesus and one is the first picture taken of my brother in his dress blues. She told my son not to worry that if any monsters did try and come into Grandma's house that Jesus would scared them away and Uncle Thomas the Marine would kick their butts. It seemed to have worked. Even when he is home and someone says something about monsters he says, "No, there are no monsters because Jesus scared them and Uncle Thomas kicked their butts." What a team Jesus and a Marine!

Thanks to all who are overseas making sure that my freedom stays just that FREEDOM.

Andria Lillie

Bringing A Stripe to Boot Camp

I Joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve when I was 17, while still in high school. I'll never forget that day. My Dad had already signed the papers and the reserve recruiter and I were driving all over town looking for my Mother. After what seemed like an eternity we finally found her. And then the (fun ?) began. Knowing how much I wanted to join she decided not to sign the papers. I think what she really wanted was to have a little fun at my expense. She signed the papers, but part of the agreement was that I finish school.

I was now a member of the USMCR with all the rights and privileges of the others. I was issued uniforms, boots, and a rifle and pack with blanket roll. Imagine a 17 year old kid with an M1! I went on my first weekend training in April of 1959. Soaking wet I weighed 125 lbs. All the stuff I carried weighed more than half of my weight. In May of 1959 I got to march in the local Memorial day parade. I even got my picture in the paper. I stayed in high school until graduation in 1960. The week after graduation I received my orders to report to Parris Island. There is one minor item I left out of this story. As you can read I spent a little more than a year with the reserve prior to going to P.I. During this time I became proficient in close order drill, assembly and disassembly of the M1 and certain basic field operations. Enough so that I was recommended for and promoted to PFC. That was great, promoted to PFC and I haven't even gone to boot camp yet. This was going to be alright. I left Ohio for P.I. in July. We traveled by train for about two days. From the train station we took a bus. At the end of the bus ride we were met by the meanest sounding person that I ever heard. He proceeded to welcome us to Parris Island with name calling, scum bag, maggot. We were referred to as a herd and told to get off of his bus before we contaminate it. Getting off the bus at that moment set the tone for my "visit" at Parris Island for the next 12 weeks.

You see, prior to leaving Ohio I packed my clothing issue including 'Brown" boots, belts. buckles and my "salty" herringbone utilities. I was also given a couple PFC chevrons for good luck.

Now there must have been 35/40 new recruits on the bus; I was the only one to get off with a "seabag " The D.I. almost came un-glued when he seen the bag. He dumped everything on the ground and called the other D.I.'s to show them what he had found. He kept the Herringbones. I don't know what happened to the other stuff.

What really caused a stir was when he found the PFC chevrons and asked what the H&ll these are for. I told him that I was a PFC in the Marines. That didn't go over very well. He said, like H&ll you are. You're not a PFC until I say you're a PFC. And to add insult to injury I pulled out the paper that said I was a PFC and showed it to him. It took every ounce of restraint he could muster not to tear up the paper.

>From that moment on I knew I would have a rough stay on the "Island". Fortunately I wasn't the smallest person so I did get elected "housemouse". But surprisingly after the first week the harassment started to taper off. I later learned it was because we had a visitor from congress. Something about someone trying to escape through the swamp and loosing his leg to a shark. We later learned all these stories were fairy tales. Sic.

I did get to wear my stripe on graduation day. There were two PFC's graduating that day; one who earned his stripe at boot camp and me, who brought his stripe to boot camp.

On the last day of boot camp I integrated into the "regulars" Sgt. S.H. Goody USMC/USMCR 1959-1967

Grandfather and Chesty

Dear Sgt. Grit, Because of you, have got in very close contact with a group here that personally knew "Chesty". H&ll, he was in my home and me in his more times than you and I have fingers and toes combined!!!!! I know the family well and have known them since 1951. My grandfather and Chesty grew up together in the Marines. Went to PI together and the campaigns in Nicauraga and Haiti then to China. My GF retired as a Gunny in 1935.

God Bless. Thank you for allowing me to speak here, and yes. Lost just not a few friends in Vietnam but family too, Marines. My son is a sniper. Spent 9 months in Afghanistan and Iraq, just got home 4 months ago, leaving to go back for another 6 months or so. But I am proud. Semper Fi, Steve Robertson

Big Metal Building

I was reading the story the former Marine was telling about his favorite bar, and it got me laughing to be-Jesus! I had tears rolling. In early 80s', I was at 8th Marines at Geiger, and across the road from the gate was this place called "Bronco Billy's". It was a big metal building, no windows, (that I could see) concrete floor, slanted towards the middle (possible washing ploy?), and the chairs and tables, steel as they were, were bolted to the floor.

No food, no hard booze, just beer. Cheap draft....bad cheap draft. Old Milwaukee Draft Light Ice kind. You would pay $5.00 at the door and they would give you a plastic cup and you could drink your liver frigid. And when you were 3 days before payday and money was short, that was the ticket!

In the back they had a riding bull, and a punching machine and a couple of pin ball machines. There was a live band (not a good one) on Fridays and Saturdays, chicken wire in the front. No strippers or dancers.

I went into the head once, never went back, I was actually afraid in there. The smell of vomit/beer/human sweat hung in the air like a cheap Korean blanket, inside and out of the building. And every person's head in there had a Marine Corps haircut. There were fights, p*ssing contests, and just general confusion.

Very few women made their presence there. I'm sure the owner made his fortune in that joint, 'cause I don't remember it being there that long. D*mn! What a great place! And we didn't have to drive or take a taxi, just walk (stumble) back to the barracks. Whew! What a joint! Semper Fi S/Sgt Riggs 75-95

Joke

The Gunny always knows: The Gunny and the First Shirt came back a couple days early from the Med Cruise and the The Shirt tells the Gunny that he thinks his wife is fooling around and would he be a witness. Sure says Gunny. They slip into the house, flip on the lights, pull back the sheets and sure enough there is a man in the bed with his wife. The Shirt puts his gun to the guys' head and the wife screams "Don't do it. All that money you thought I inherited, he gave it to me. That new pick up you drive, he bought it. Our Lake house and boat, he paid for it." The Shirt starts to let the gun go down, turns and asks the Gunny, "What would you do?" I would cover his *ss up so he doesn't catch a cold. Ron Shouse

Question About The Korea War

Sgt Grit: I'm responding to a message in your news ltr a few weeks back. It seemed there was some question about the Korea War and was it appreciated.

For the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, he President of The Republic of Korea, sent medals of appreciation to all Korean veterans.

A part of the citation read, as follows:

We honor you, which helped forge the blood alliance between our two countries, and enabled us to remain a free democratic nation.

I thank you for your noble sacrifice and to those who gave their lives. We pray for your health and happiness.

signed Kim Dae-jung President of the Republic of Korea

H S Bane ll03546 Sgt-USMC (At Large)

He Would Remember

Every 10 November I am lucky to attend a birthday celebration in Cristchurch, Va. It is held by members of 1st. Marine Division Assn. in Richmond. After a church service honoring Marines past and present we file out to the tomb of General Puller who lived in this area before and after the Corps duty and hold a memorial service. Before his death you would walk streets and roads around Saluda, Va. A great thing about it was that if he had ever met you he would remember your name. Join us this November 10th for our birthday if possible. All are welcome. Lloyd W. Evans Jr. M/Sgt USMC WWII & Korea

Short Rounds

I enlisted 30 years ago today in the United States Marine Corps. Man, where has the time gone. Am I really THAT old? (don't answer that). Just be thankful there are much (much) younger people on active duty protecting us! MSgt Montney

I served mess duty at the wedding at Canna. That's before the Last Supper. Great wine but to much talk. Marine ( too old for a number they were not invented yet)

Dogone Sgt. Grit and all Marines of 5th Regt. Do you remember old Nod Charley Fire Missions from George one and two in Korean War from positions north east of punchbowl... One Old Redleg in .D.C. Would like to hear from you ....... George Ellis...

what is the sound of sh!t hitting the fan: MARINEEEEEEEEEE

I have a license plate on the front of my car which is simply "U.S.M.C." in bold letters. As I was driving in an Atlanta suburb I slowed due to a work crew doing some digging in the roadway. Suddenly one of the men dropped his shovel, snapped to and rendered a sharp hand salute which I returned as I passed. We can be found everywhere! "Murch" 1484568

Q. "What do smart Marines and UFOs have in common?" A. "You always hear about them but you never see them" Parl Guthrie

When God said "Let there be light," I was the duty electrician. I have a patch on my flight jacket that shows a Roman short sword, shield, and helmet with the saying "Unless your 782 gear looks like this, don't talk to me about the Old Corps" Bob Walden, 1953-1976

Vote. You fought for it. You protect it. It is now time to exercise that right.

All men are created equal, then some become MARINES. Semper fi Sgt Grit